STURGIS, S.D. — The excitement surrounding the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the 45th anniversary of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip continues to build as organizers have announced Grammy-nominated rock band P.O.D. will join the 2026 concert lineup and take part in the popular Legends Ride.
The triple-platinum rock group is scheduled to perform Monday, Aug. 10, opening for Skillet on one of the Rally’s most action-packed days.
Known for hits such as Alive, Youth of the Nation and Boom, P.O.D. brings a high-energy performance style that has made the band a fixture on rock radio and festival stages for more than two decades.
But the band’s involvement in Sturgis goes beyond the stage.
Earlier that day, P.O.D. members Sonny Sandoval, Traa Daniels and Marcos Curiel will participate in the 19th annual Legends Ride, joining a celebrity lineup that includes actor Frankie Loyal, former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia, off-road racing champion Paul Wolff, motorcycle industry leaders Cory and Zach Ness, world-record motorcycle jumper Jim York and Buffalo Chip CEO Rod Woodruff.
The Legends Ride begins in historic Deadwood, departing from Outlaw Square and the Historic Silverado Franklin before winding through the scenic Black Hills and ending at the Buffalo Chip. Proceeds from the ride benefit the Special Olympics South Dakota and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.
This year also introduces a new twist inspired by Deadwood’s legendary poker history.
Organizers have announced a Celebrity Bounty Charity Poker Tournament inside the Historic Silverado Poker Room. The event pays tribute to the infamous “Dead Man’s Hand” associated with Wild Bill Hickok, who was shot during a poker game in Deadwood in 1876. Participants will have the opportunity to compete against celebrity guests for cash prizes and bragging rights.
Fans can also attend the Legends Lunch, featuring appearances from P.O.D., Frankie Loyal, Paul Wolff and Rod Woodruff.
Monday’s entertainment lineup continues to expand with another major announcement involving Hairball. The popular tribute act will perform three consecutive nights at the Buffalo Chip from Aug. 9-11, with organizers promising a completely different setlist each night.
“All bangers, no repeats,” according to the announcement.
The additions make Monday, Aug. 10 one of the busiest days of Rally week, featuring the Legends Ride, Evo Entanglement Bike Show, Global Getdown Bike Show, Della Crew Untamed Female Stunt Show, Sasha’s Cycles Rodeo Games, Hairball, P.O.D., Skillet and numerous other attractions.
The Buffalo Chip’s 2026 lineup already includes Lainey Wilson, YUNGBLUD, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Megadeth, Collective Soul, David Lee Roth, Buckcherry, Drowning Pool and many more artists still to be announced.
The festival runs Aug. 7-16 and will feature concerts, charity rides, custom bike shows, racing, stunt exhibitions, women’s events and a wide range of activities celebrating motorcycle culture.
